iCloud Keychain – The default password manager on Apple devices gets new features with every OS update. This time around, Apple is introducing support for two-factor authentication in iCloud Keychain, eliminating the need for separate 2FA apps on the iPhone. Here’s how to set up the verification code in iCloud Keychain on iPhone and iPad.
Most iCloud Keychain alternatives like 1Password and LastPass offer 2FA support in their apps. It’s also good to see Apple getting on the 2FA train.
We tested the setup on iPhone and iPad running iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 respectively. Interestingly, iCloud Keychain 2FA is missing in the latest macOS 12.0 Monterey.
How iCloud Keychain Two-Factor Authentication Works
As you know, iCloud Keychain is part of the Passwords menu on iPhone and iPad. There is no separate application for this. Instead, Apple automatically adds your username/login ID and password to the Passwords menu with the website name when you try to sign in using the Safari browser on a Mac, iPhone or iPad.
You can find all these entries in the Settings > Passwords menu on iPhone. With iOS 15, you’ll find an option when a website you’ve added to iCloud Keychain supports two-factor authentication. Set Verification Code In iCloud Keychain.
For an additional layer of security, you can set up a verification code and repeat the process for all major websites. Let’s set it up.
Set up iCloud Keychain Two-Factor Authentication
In the example below, we’ll set up two-factor authentication for an Instagram account in the iCloud Keychain app on iPhone.
Instagram offers 2FA support for personal and business accounts. We highly recommend setting up 2FA for Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, and other popular services you use and interact with frequently.
Before you begin, make sure you’ve updated your iPhone or iPad to the latest iOS 15 or iPad15 from the Settings menu. Apple hasn’t released the final version of the software yet, but you always go ahead and install the beta at risk.
The steps below are from iPhone, but you can follow the same steps on iPad and set up 2FA in iCloud Keychain.
Stage 1: Open the Settings app on iPhone.
Step 2: Go to the Passwords menu.
Stage 3: Verify yourself and open the Passwords menu.
Step 4: You will see a list of services you have added over time.
Step 5: Search for Instagram (because we will set up 2FA for Instagram in iCloud Keychain) and select a relevant account.
Step 6: Open details for instagram.com and you will see the option to Set Your Username, Password and Verification Code.
Now we will use the Instagram mobile app to set up 2FA in iCloud Keychain.
Step 7: Open Instagram on your mobile.
Step 8: Sign in using the same Instagram account details.
Step 9: Go to your account and tap the More button at the top.
Step 10: Open settings.
Step 11: Select Security > Two-factor authentication.
Step 1/2: Tap on To start and enable Authentication app toggle. It is a method recommended by Instagram.
Step 13: Instagram will ask you to download an authentication app to your phone. Do not worry. This is already in iCloud Keychain. choose set another way below.
Step 14: Instagram will display a key to set up two-factor authentication. Copy the key. And press Next.
Step 15: Minimize the app and return to the Instagram menu in the Password section.
Step 16: Tap on Set Verification Code and select Enter Setup Key.
Step 17: You will see the Verification Code in the same menu. Enter the same code into the Instagram app now.
This much. You have successfully set up 2FA on Instagram using iCloud Keychain. On the next screen, Instagram will show backup codes for immediate use. If you cannot access the verification code from the Passwords menu on your iPhone or iPad, you can use these codes.
You can use the code only once. You can always request new codes from Instagram to authenticate your account. Make a note of these codes and keep them safe.
Repeat the steps for all major accounts on your iPhone and set up a verification method in iCloud Keychain on iPhone or iPad.
Some services like Google or Microsoft offer a way to enable 2FA via text message. This is a less secure method and we recommend against using it.
Set up 2FA for Websites on iPhone
With the latest additions of 2FA support on iPhone and iPad, iCloud Keychain is one step closer to replacing the dedicated password manager and 2FA apps. That said, it’s nowhere near built-in players like 1Password or Dashlane in its current state, but we hope to see Apple continue to improve the default password manager with future updates.
